Frequently Asked Questions

Can I consult with my erbcare herbalist remotely?

Yes! Once you sign up for an erbcare membership you can schedule your initial consultation online. For your first call we usually take two hours to get you know you well. Monthly follow up calls take about half an hour. We provide you with a scheduling agenda that gives you a broad range of options to accommodate your preferences. Let us know how we should contact you: via phone, Skype, or use our secure online visit-room. If you live in the Burlington, Vermont area we will be happy to meet you in person.

What is the difference between the Herbs and Tinctures memberships?

When you sign up for either membership your clinical herbalist will personally prepare and ship herbal remedies to you, every month. Herbs are sent to you in dried form. Prepare them like a tea. The Tinctures membership, in addition, includes extracts of herbs in alcoholic solution.

How often do you adjust my herbal remedy?

Your herbal remedies are adjusted after each consultation. After your initial 2 hour consultation your herbalist will have a good understanding of your situation to prepare your first remedy. Schedule monthly follow-up calls that will typically take 30 minutes to 1 hour. We’ll learn from you how well you did while taking your remedies and adjust your preparation as needed. You may receive the same preparation over months or find it changes monthly. This depends on your needs and your interaction with your herbalist.

How many clinical herbalists work with the erbcare herbs and herbal consultations subscription service?

erbcare collaborates with a strong team of clinical herbalists trained and practicing in Vermont. During our launch-phase you will have access to just one herbalist. Being one of erbcare’s early customers has the benefit that you get to influence how erbcare evolves and grows. Thank you for signing up with us!

How do you ensure the quality of your herbal remedies?

Whenever possible we source our herbs from organic farms in Vermont. If you receive herbs that are not grown here, we take great care to ensure quality and sustainable, fair farming of the plants used. We are actively building a strong community of herbal farmers around the erbcare service.

What are tinctures?

A tincture is an extract of herbs in alcoholic solution. Your clinical herbalist will mix your personal tinctures remedy for you. Tinctures do not require any preparation by you and are easy to carry along. Your herbalist will let you know which dosage to take, usually measured in drops or teaspoons.

What is herbal medicine?

Herbal medicine was the main form of medicine globally until the 20th century. Its history has been documented in writing for more than 5000 years. Only during the last 100 years have pharmaceuticals almost completely replaced the medicinal use of herbs in Western Society. Yet today, three out of four people worldwide rely primarily upon traditional healing practices, most of which is herbal medicine.

What are the different types of herbalists?

In the United States the professional education of herbalists is offered in a variety of programs that cover the traditional uses of herbs, the basic medical sciences of biochemistry, nutrition and anatomy as well as the modern use of herbs. All erbcare herbalists have completed a three-year clinical herbalist training program at the Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism in Montpelier, VT.

Naturopathic Medicine combines western medical standards of care with traditional natural therapeutics. Usually licensed naturopathic physicians, (N.D.) went through full medical training at medical universities in North America. Less than 20 US states license the practice of naturopathic medicine at this time.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is the second-largest medical system in the world after Western medicine. TCM practitioners receive training in theory, practice, and herbal therapy.

Traditional Ayurvedic Medicine (Ayurveda) the main medical system of the Indian subcontinent, is the third largest herbal medicine system in the world today. Ayurvedic doctors treat more than 80 percent of the people in India and Sri Lanka and go through extensive training that can lasts more than 10 years.

How does erbcare work?

Your initial herbal consultation will be two hours. We take time to go through your health history. Together we define the goals you wish to achieve for your health and well-being, and develop a plan on how to reach them.

The follow-up consultations are usually shorter. The duration of follow up visits depends on your needs at the time.

Your health is not an instant fix. We work together with you to track how your health changes over time and adjust your goals, plan and remedies as needed. At erbcare we build a trusting relationships that support your well-being for an entire life.

In which health domains are herbs used?

Herbal consultations can cover a range of health issues. Some typical health domains for herbal remedies are: Colds, flus, allergies, asthma and other respiratory illnesses. Injuries ranging from cuts and bruises, to help with recovery from surgery and chronic pain. Skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne. Digestive problems like heartburn, indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, gas and bloating, and trouble digesting food. Support for chronic health conditions such as seizures, MS, insulin resistance, IBS, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, migraines. Sleep issues like insomnia and poor sleep quality. Women’s health issues such as PMS, menopause support, fertility awareness, PCOS, infertility, UTI’s and yeast infection. Support while quitting addictions such as smoking and alcohol. Overall immune support and whole body health. Emotional support during difficult times.

What are some of the health concerns of people who seek herbal consultations?